Events

Chimps Escape Causes Change In Policy

A chimpanzee eats watermelon in his newly renovated habitat at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on September 30, 2011. The state-of-the-art exhibit features giant towers, networks of climbing ropes, a giant hammock, as well as an expansive glassed area and tunnel systems for viewing the primates. AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD (Photo credit should read TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

photo credit Getty Images

Las Vegas, NV — Clark County officials are changing their policy on exotic animals a month after two chimpanzees escaped their cage and ran through streets near Las Vegas.

Clark County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to require the exotic pet owners to live on or own the property where the animal is kept. They also must have expertise in keeping the animals.

The changes also expand the permitting process for owning an exotic animal. The exact language of the new regulations is expected to be finalized in coming weeks.

The county’s policy came under scrutiny after the July 12 escape of chimps named Buddy and C.J.

Buddy was eventually shot and killed by a police officer after jumping on cars and veering toward onlookers.